Fire control for automatic guns



T. H. ElCKH-OFF. FIRE CONTRoL FOR vAUTOMATIC GUNS. APPLICATION FILED DEC.3I. 1920.

T. H. ECKHOFF. FIRE CONTROL FOR AUTOMATIC GUNS.

APPLICATION FILED DEC.31. 1920.

45 'quir-ing an independent pull 'on the trigger Patented lljlec. S, QZ.

PATENT oFFlcE.

THEODORE H. EICKHOFF, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO AUTO-ORDNANCE CORPORATION, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

FIRE CONTROL Fon Ari'romnrrc GUNS.

Application led December 31, 1920.- Serial No. 434,399.

T o all whom t may concern.'

Be it known 'that I, THEoDoRn I-I. EICK- HoFF, citizen of the United States of America, and resident of Cleveland in the county of Cuyahoga and State of hio, have .invented new and --useful Im rovements in Fire Controls for Automatic uns, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to guns of the automatic type wherein the recoil of the breech closure is made use of in feeding cartridges to the' firing chamber.y In particular` this invention has reference to firing mechanism for controlling the breech closure operation in such a gun.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a gun having improved fire control mechanism by which vsemi-automatic ire may be effected. Another object is to provide for full automatic firing by a simple adjustment. Another object is positively to free the searfrom the trigger at each'shot so that a second' shot can not be fired without another actuation of the trigger.l Another object is to utilize` the movement of the breech closure todisconnect vthe sear from the trigger. Another Objectis automatically to hold the breech closure open after the last cartridge from the magazine has been iired whether the lire coritrol is set for semi-automatic or full automatic fir: ing. Other objects are vto provide a gun vwhich is constant and reliable'in action and generally to improve guns of the automatic type. -i

These objects are attained in an embodiment having the trigger, sear and disconnector and trip lof the full automatic, guns.

for transmitting the trigger movement.l to the sear for continuous fire, as shown in the patent to Payne,.1,349,345, August 10,- 1920.

' l To these elements are added a mechanism which, when in position, breaks the contact between the disconnector and the Sear with each reciprocation of the bolt, thereby-re-y for every` discharge, The gun then becomes a single fire or semi-automatic gun.

This mechanism is so mounted as tobe.

gun to be used asa continuous fire gun ber or rocker mounted on a pivot rotatable in the receiver, the connection between the rocker and the pivot being eccentric so that the rocker may be moved bodily in the receiver, intov or out of the path of the bolt. When in the path of the bolt it coacts therewith, toward the end of the forward or closing movementof the bolt, to move the disconnector out of contact with the sears However, as soon\.\as the rearward movement of the bolt is begun, the rocker is released, and this permits the disconnector, pressed by its spring against the locker, to return to its original position while the forward end of the sear is still uplifted by the-bolt'contactv on the rear'end of the Sear.

when its engagement with the disconnector,

is broken, the Sear lever moves under the action of its spring away from the sear.

Release of the disconnector, then, by the rocker does not affect the sear, forv the sear lever does not remain in position to be reengaged by the disconnector. The \sear levernot being in Contact with the sear, thesear is free to move into the-bolt notch, when the latter is presented and so hold the bolt 'from' forward inovenient. To again operate the sear for releasing the bolt, it becomes lnecessary to relax the trigger so that the trigger can carry the disconnector downward and so reengage the sear lever. The gun therefore acts as a single fire gun.

When the rocker is withdrawn `from the path of the bolt, it is not operated by the latter. -Itrdoes not then interfere with the continued engagement of the disconnector and the sear leverf and therefore the sear remains depressed through the contact of the sear lever, as long as the trigger is under pressure. The bolt therefore. continues to reciprocate while the trigger is pulled, and results in a continuous rapid fire gun, or a gun of the full automatic type.

Fig. 1,;

scription and accompanying drawings, in

which Figure l is a longitudinal section of an assembled gun showing the mechanism with the bolt in forward position, the rocker in operative position. and the trigger released.

Figure 2 is a top'view of the control mechanism in the relative positions shown in Figurefis a section similar to Fig. 1 of the bolt control mechanism. with theexception that the bolt is retracted; and the safety catch is in operative position:

Figure 4 is a section similar to Fig. 3 with the bolt in midway position. the rocker in operative position, and the trigger retracted;

Figure 5 is a section similar to Fig. 3. except that the bolt is in closed position fand the trigger retracted;

Figure 6 is a section similar to `F ig. 3. except that the trigger is still retracted;

Figure 'T is a section similar to Fig. 5, with the exception that the rocker is in inoperative position;v

Figure 8 is an end view of the pivot;

Figure 9 is an elevation of the pivot;

Figure 10 is a view of the pivot at right angles to Fig. 9; and Y' Figure 11 is a transverse section on line 11-11 of Fig. 7 through the yoke disconnector and trigger.

As before indicated the firing mechanism consists of a trigger T, a disconnector D, a trip or yoke Y. scar S. and the added elements'` sear lever L, rocker R. and pivot P. These elements are mounted in the gun frame for controlling the bolt B. The trigger and thev yoke are pivoted on a pin 1, while the sear is pivoted on another pin 2, both pins beingsecured to a plate-38 and removably mounted in the gun frame as in the aforesaid patent to Payne.

The trigger T, which is held in forward position bv thelspriiig` 3. carries the disoonnector in a side recess on an extension The disconiiector D is pivoted on this extension by a pin 9 integral with the disconnector (Fig. 1).' The yoke Y has a. forward end 10 and rear bar 11 (Fig. 2). laising tbe cnil 10 of the yoke liv-contact with the magazine follower throws the bar downward.l and the trigger is disconnected sion spring 13 urges the disconnector in a.

clockwise direction; and to limit this movenient the trigger is provided with a projection 14 which engages the end of the arm 12.

The other arm 15 of the disconnector has an end surface 16 (Fig. 2) and extending upwardly from the surface at one side is a lug 17.

The sear S has theV compression spring 4 urging the bolt-engaging end 18 upward about the pivot2 into one of the notches 19 on the bolt, when the bolt is in retracted position. The scar is U-shaped in plan having the two sides 22 and 23 through which the pivot passes (Fig. 2). The forward end 20 of the side 23 of the sear, being on the opposite side of the 'pivot is urged downward by the spring- 4. A stop 2l formed on the sear engages the frame for limiting this movement about the pivot.

Pivoted on the same pin 2 and lying between tlie sides 22 and 23 of the sear. is the Sear lever L. A. compression spring 2l urges surface 26 on the sear, and with respect to the frame by a stop 27. The forward end 28 of the lever projects to one side as shown in Fig. 2 and extends farther forward than the sear end 20. In this is formed a depression 29 which contacts thelower surface of the forward end 2O of the scar. This end 28 of the lever lies in position for its lower surface to'be engaged by the end surface,16 of the arm A15 of the disconnector when the latter is turned to its limiting position by the disconnector spring 13. The sear end does not extend sufficiently forward to come into contact with the disconnector.-

For controlling the contact between the sear lever and the disconnector the rocker R is provided. This is mounted for oscillation on the pivot P, its movement in one direction being limited by the lug 17 on the disconnector arm 15. Its movement is limited in the other direction by the side 22 of the sear; when in this position a protruding nose 30 extends into the path of the bolt B. A clearance groove 31 is provided in the bolt so that the latter rides over the nose 30. This groove ends with an abutment 32so positioned that it strikes the nose 30 and moves the rocker when the bolt is in fully closed position.

The pivot P upon which the rocker is mounted, is provided with the concentric bearings 33 and 34 fitting in openings in the frame. and a portion 35 upon which the rocker oscillates. The portion 35 is eccentrically placed with reference to the axis laatse@ v'of the pivot' so that a bodily movement,'upward or downward, is given the rocker when the pivot isturned.

A handle 36 extends from the pivot on the exterior of they frame for fso turning the pivot and indicating its position. rlhe other end 37 engages the plate 38 which carries the pins 1 and 2, and this end has'a head 39 for preventing removal of the pivot unless Athe pivot is rotated'to a position wherein the head 39 may pass through a sl t in the plate 38. 'y

A safety catch C is provided for engaging a groove 40 formed in the sear'. The Acatch is rotatably mounted Aand can be turned to engage the groove when the sear is in up' ward position holding the bolt (Fig. 3).v

Engagement of this catch prevents any release of thebolt.

When the bolt is in retracted position lever due to the action of its spring 13. A- -pull on the trigger lifts the disconnector as shown in Figs. 4 and 7' and thereby raises the forward end of the sear lever L and the sear S to release the bolt. As 'shown in Fig. 7 with only the elements, trigger, sear, and disconnector in use, a continued' pull on the trigger holds the sear depressed so that the bolt is free to reciprocate. With the rocker not in use, the gun acts as a full automatic gun'.

Frewgention of a return forward movementl is secured when the rocker is in position to be operated by the bolt as shown in Fig. 5.

" lhe rocker strikes the disconnector removinfr it `from beneath the sear lever. The-Sear however, is not free to move on account. of its contact with the bolt. Therefore if the sea-r lever were not made separate from the sear,

the end would still-remain in raised position. f

Being made separate, 'the sear lever moves downwardly blockingfthe path of the disconnector. earward movement of the bolt releases the rocker, and this'release permits the disconnector to spring back; but the sear lever being no longer in raised position the disconnector merely strikes the forward end of the sear lever, as shown in Fig. 6. When the bolt has retracted, so that a notch in it is in positionfor engagement by the scar, the forward end of the sear lever being depressed out of contact with the sear, per- I mits the searY to projectZ into the notch. The

leo

bolt is now locked, even thoughthe trigger is still retracted. To again release the bolt, it is necessary to relax the trigger. The trggerspring then rotates the trigger to normal position turning its extension downward, vand. so carrying the arm or the dis` end. rlhe disconnector 'is now free to slip beneath the sear lever, and on the next pressure of the trigger, the sear lever is lifted.v

and the rear end o f the sear depressed. rlhe bolt, then, is released for-the next discharge. The gun, therefore, when the rocker is in operation, acts as a semi-automatic gun.

The yoke Yl engages the disconnector (but not the trigger) to swing `the disconnector into inoperative position when the'magazine is emptied and the magazine follower engages the forward end of the yoke. rlhis results in the bolt being held retracted after the last shot has been fired.

l claim: '1: A fire control for a gun having in combination, a bolt movable into and out of firing position, a sear for contact with the bolt,

a trigger foroperating said sear, means responsive to movement of the bolt for disconnecting. said trigger from said sear, and means for maintaining said trigger disconnect'ed until the latter is released.

2. A re control fora gun having in combination, a bolt movable into and out of firing position, a sear for contact with the bolt, a trigger, a disconnector operative for associating the trigger and the sear, means for moving the disconnector into inoperative -position after the trigger has been' actuated,

and additional means for holding.- the disconnector in inoperative position until the trigj ger is released.

3. A lire control for a gun having in combination, a bolt movable into and out of firposition, a Sear.. for contact with the bolt, al trigger, a disconnector operative for associating the trigger and the sear, meansl responsive to movement of the bolt for moving the disconnector into inoperative positionafter the trigger has been actuated'and additional means for holding the disconnector in inoperative position until theftrigger is release il. Fire control. mechanism for guns comprising a sear, a member associated with said sear and movable therewith to .retracted position, 'a trigger, a disconnector associated withV the trigger and operable through said :member to retract the sear when the trigger -is actuated, said member being mounted to return to normal position independently of the'sear thereby to retain said disconnLector inoperativeuntil said trigger is released.

' 5. A lire control for a. gun having, in combination, a bolt movable into and out of firing restraining means for the bolt associated lwith thetrigger and removed by retraction of the trigger, and means operable at will position, a trigger, mounted for retraction,

bination, a bolt movable into and out of tiring position, a trigger, 'controlling means for the bolt operable by the trigger, and manually operable means, projectable into thepatli of the bolt, for disconnecting the trigger from the controlling mea-ns When the former is retracted.

7. A 4tire control fora gun having, in combination, a bolt movable into and out of firing position, a trigger mounted for retraction, restrainin means for the bolt associated with the trigger and removed by retraction of the trigger, and a member projectable at Wiil int-o the path of the bolt for disconnecting the restraining means and the trigger thereby to permit the operation of the restraining means upon movement-of the bolt, While' the trigger is retracted.

8. A fire control for a. gun having in combination, a bolt movable into and out of firing position, a trigger, controlling means for the bolt operable by the trigger, independently operable means, projectable into the path of the bolt. for disconnecting the controlling means and the trigger, and an eccentric mounting for said means for projecting said means.

9. A fire control for agun having. in combination, a` bolt, having an abutmentl there-Y on, movable into and out of firing position, a trigger mounted for retraction, restraining means for the bolt associated with the trigger and removed by retraction of the trigger, a member project-able into the path of the abutment for causing the voperation of the restraining means upon movement of the bolt while the trigger is retracted, and a pivot having an eccentric connection with the member and operable at will for projecting the member. t,

10. A tire control for a gun having, in combination. a bolt movable into and out of firing position.. a trigger mounted for retraction, restraining means for the bolt, aV

disconnector operatively associating the restraining means and the trigger for removing said restraining means from the bolt upon retrgaction of the trigger, and means operableat will for rendering the disconnector inoperative upon movement of the bolt ivhile the trigger is retracted.

11. A fire control for a gun having, in combination. a bolt movable int-o and out of firing position, a sear for restraining the bolt, a. trigger mounted for retraction and operatively associated with the sear for removing the sear from restraining position by the retraction of t-he trigger, and means operable at will for dissociating the sear and fthe trigger upon movement of the bolt While the trigger is retracted.

12. A ire control for a gun having in combination. a bolt movable into and out of firing position. a sear for restraining the bolt, a -trigger mounted for retraction, a

disconnector operatively associa-ting the sear with the trigger or'removing of the sear from restraining position upon retraction of the trigger, and means operable at will for rendering the disconnector inoperative upon movement of the bolt While the trigger is retracted. 4

18. A re control for a gun having, in combination, a bolt movable into and out of tiring position, a sean for Contact With the bolt, a. member associated with the sear for removing it from contact, a trigger, a` disconnector operative for associating the trigger and the`v member, and means responsive to movement of said bolt for rendering the disconnector inoperative.

14:. A fire control for a gun having, in combination, a bolt movable into and out of tiring position, a sear for contact- With the bolt, a member associated with the sear and operable for removing it from contact, a trig- 'ger mounted for retraction, a disconnector operative for associating the trigger and the member upon retraction of the trigger, and means operable at will for rendering the disconnector inoperative While the trigger is retracted, said member being movable independently of the sear into position to hold Ythe disconnectorvout of association with the sear until the trigger is released.

15. A fire control for a gun having, in

combination, a bolt movable into and out of' firing position, a. sear for contact with the bolt, a sear lever engageable with the sear for removing it from contact, a disconnector projectable for engagement With the sear lever, a trigger upon which the disconnect-or is movably mounted, and a member operable by said bolt for contacting the disconnector to move the latter uDon the trigger whereby engagement of the disconnector and the sear lever is prevented.

16. A 'tire control for a gun having in combination a bolt movable into vand out of firing position, a sear for contact with the bolt, a trigger, a disconnector operative for associating said `trigger and said sear, and a member projectable at will into the path of said bolt for moving said disconnector into inoperative position. Y 17. A fire control for a gun having 1n comfbination a bolt movable into and out offrfiring position, a sear for contact with the bolt, a trigger, a .disconnector operative for associating the trigger and the sear, a member projectable intothe path of the bolt for dssociating saiddisconnector .from said sear, and an eccentric mounting for Said member.

19. A fire control for a gun having, in combination, a bolt movable into and out oi'i firing position, a seal' for contact with the bolt, a-trigger, a disconnector pivoted to said trigger for operating said sear, a member projectable into the path of the bolt to be moved thereby to rock said disconnector out of operative connection with said sear When the trigger is in retracted position, and an eccentric mounting for said member.

20. A lire control for a gun having, in combination, a bolt movable into and out of firing' position, a sear for contact with the bolt, a. pivot for. said sear, a member mounted on said pivot and arranged to engage said sear for removing it from contact, and means for actuating said member.

21. A lire control for agun having, in combination, a bolt movable into and out of firing position, a sear for contact with the bolt, a pivot for said sear, a member mounted on said pivot and associated With the sear for removing it from Contact, a trigger, and la disconnector operative for associating the trigger and the member.

22. A fire control for a gun having, in

re @o 23. Fire control mechanism for. guns comprising a trigger, a scar, a. disconnector interposed between the trigger and the Sear, the disconnector having an operative position in which the sear maybe actuated by the. trigger and an inoperative position in which the trigger is inoperative to actuate the sea-r, and means for holding the disconnector in inoperative position until the trigger is released, said means including ,a member automatically movable, independently of the trigger, sear and disconneetor, into the path of the disconnector after the Sear is actuated and before it returns to normal position.

Signed by me at Boston, Mass., this' 10th day of December, 1920.

THEODORE H. EICKHOFB 

